Motor Mounts and Steering boxes... oh my!

[1959 Apache 3600]

OK gents.. I'm posting my question after searching without favorable results here.
'59 3/4 ton Apache. Everything's stock, no IFS or anything of the sort. I plan on putting my big block (chevy 454) into this pig, and have two questions (so far).

1) I see aftermarket crossmember/motor mounts advertised at a few places. IIRC, some list it as a SBC mount and others just say Chevy V8. Has anyone have any experience with these and a big block?

2) It's pretty obvious the stock steering box won't work with this configuration, wondering what others have done with the steering while accomodating a big block?

Just trying to plan ahead...
Thanks in advance for your advice / suggestions!

[1959 Apache 3600]

Gentle bump in case anyone missed it...

[OrrieG]

From research on putting a BB into my 64 Chevelle with original SB I found a BB will bolt up to SB engine mounts BUT the BB will be offset about 1-1.5" off of the SB center line. On Chevelles you need to get the right BB engine mount to frame brackets to get the BB centered. It will work but if you use the stock trans crossmember the engine/trans center line is not parallel with the frame. Not enough to notice at a glance and not enough to affect the driveline universal joints.

That said, the saddle type mounts usually have two sides and a center section so you could adjust it to where you want but you MAY still need to modify the trans mount. I am surprised that someone does not make BB mounts that bolt/weld to the frame side rails. Don't know about the steering but I think there are also issues with the valve covers and distributor and firewall that require a lot of modification too. Weight is not an issue the original 6 and cast iron bellhousing and cast iron transmissions were pretty heavy.

A deep search in the build section should bring up some BB installations, I remember seeing some.

[1959 Apache 3600]

Thanks OrrieG... REALLY appreciate it!

[Chevette]

Maybe look into rack and pinion. No steering box. Requires some effort and modifications, but a much better operation and esthetics.